BMW e46 - Noisy Lifters

[ChrisBrand]

Hey guys,

Hope all are well?

So my 1999 e46 328i is creeping towards 325 000km and most recently I have noticed that the lifters are getting quite noisy (irritating tapping sound).

The car is serviced (Oil) every 7500km with Shell HX7 Oil.

So my question -
Does one need to remove the cover, coils, etc and get right in there and clean everything? OR
Would switching to a different oil have an effect? OR
Would it be better to add a cleaning agent or additive?

Look forward to receiving your advices.

 

[tinovittee]

Have you confirmed that your exhaust manifold is still fully in tact?? I started hearing a similar noise thinking it was the lifters until we removed the manifold and found a crack right on the seam. welded it up and the noise was gone. worth a check I guess before opening anything up..

 

[Peter@AEW]

Noise could be gudgeon pins or lifters.

A set of lifters would be my first stop.

 

[ChrisBrand]

Thanks Tino and a1exander. Will conduct a physical inspection